March 26 - Today in Legal History

March 26, 1999 - Dr. Jack Kevorkian Convicted of Second-Degree Murder

A Michigan jury finds Dr. Jack Kevorkian guilty of the second degree murder of Thomas Youk, a 53-year old man who was stricken with Lou Gehrig's disease and died by lethal injection. The conviction follows a "60 Minutes" airing of a videotape of Dr. Kevorkian assisting in Youk's death. Kevorkian is sentenced to 10 to 25 years in prison; he is released on parole in 2007 based on good behavior.

Related resources:

• Audio: The Challenge to Assisted Suicide in Oregon (Justice Talking)
• The Kevorkian Verdict (PBS Frontline)
• Living Wills and Healthcare Power of Attorney (FindLaw)